Sing Update - Nov 2023
JOIN US FOR THE KILLOOLEET SING!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 | 3-5:30 pm
DALTON SCHOOL, 108 EAST 89TH STREET, NYC
Dear Killooleet alumni, families, and friends,
The rainiest summer recorded in Vermont could not wash out the magic of Killooleet summer 2023. Though we were fortunate to be spared the devastating blows that wreaked havoc in Montpelier, Ludlow, and other communities, Hancock and Rochester had their share of damage. The footbridge over the Mama Brook was washed out not once but twice, water flowed through the barn (for the first time ever) soaking over 100 bales of hay, and the hayfields seemed to grow as much stone as they did hay in August. But an experienced staff anchored by Ava Parnes, Paul and Coreen Eagle, Manny Flaherty, Brian Becker, Sam Kaufman, Abaigael “Abs” Woods and Laura Dunning somehow made it all work. Manny, Mishka Debreceniova, Beryl Perron-Fuller and Ella Harris had campers making shoe racks, book covers, leather and metal jewelry, miniature cutlery, and a chair-table-stool in the craft shop. In addition to coordinating a sweeping video program that included a shot-for-shot remake of a Taylor Swift video, Sam joined forces with Emily Titus to bring back the riflery program. Ella joined Loch McRae and Briana Myran to organize the softball league with some help from Oliver Bauer-Nathan (tragically, the All-Star game was rained out with the campers already up 5-0 in the bottom of the first inning). Ma and Ra Caligor and Parker Stern kept swimmers and boaters moving through the lake.
Killooleet craft show with beautiful leatherwork
The flooding of campgrounds and roads took away our first overnighters, but Jenna Spencer and Ethan Rothschild did amazing work to find adventures for every cabin amid the constantly changing conditions. Paul and Coreen cooked pancakes for everyone in camp while the kitchen staff, again led by Tammi Beattie and Brett Ferrante, was off. Sasha Jordan and Matthew Fioretti both returned for a second summer in the kitchen, joined by Marilla Malone, Maya Rosenzweig, Elias Jones, and Atlas O’Neill, while Sam Carris, Bella Pappenheim, and Ani Taylor made up the laundry team. We were short on maintenance staff, so Coreen, Abs, and Laura added to their Head of Lake, Barn, and Drama work respectively to organize maintenance, ably assisted by Alwin Luttger (fencing counselor) and Jenna on bike repairs. Brian and Ava masterminded the ever-changing schedule and found some time to help in archery and the shop. Sings came back into the Main House living room after two outdoor years, and the rains cleared just enough for us to all attend the Pete Seeger memorial sing on the Hancock town green before flooding hit us again. Besides rebuilding the maintenance shed, ceramics room, and visitors’ bathroom, Keith Jesso, Jeremiah Needham, Caine Gurley, and Brett mostly finished a stand-alone shed for our new ceramics kiln in time for some late-summer firing by ceramics counselor Nuria Martinez Gonzalez. Debra Wolkenfeld, a former camper and staff member, joined us in person and remotely to support the community’s mental health needs, and former counselors Thea McRae, Robin Singleton, and Joe Lowthian joined us mid-summer to fill some holes in drama crew, nature, the shop, video, and soccer. Ten new staff members brought great enthusiasm, skills, and energy to the community.
A new ceramics shed with a separate building for the new kiln (thanks to those of you who supported our rebuilding!)
Do you know what else happened? Campers rode their bikes up and down the driveway, played music under the trees, and spent recalls trying to hit autos. They wrote letters home during rest hour, checked the office for packages, and played ping pong and tether ball. They jumped in the cold lake (when they could), practiced for Sings and Pro-Nights, sang and watched the stars come out while listening to stories at the campfire. They got Ellie candy, saved their best work for extra-special cabin clean-up on Sundays, and dodged puddles during special events. They planned ahead for Choice meetings and checking-in and checking-out, and signed up to sit with their buddies and counselors at table sign-ups. They traveled across Vermont for all kinds of day hikes, and came back together for cabin afternoons and evenings. They left their screens and made friends.
Pictures of the damage to the hayfield from flooding this summer and rebuilding the banks of the hayfield stream this fall
Second overnighters went off beautifully despite more rain, and the long distance bikers did make it to Canada (though they had to walk their bikes back over a temporary bridge or two). The sun shone on Barter Day, illuminating a wide range of costumes for the Halloween theme (currency: 3 tricks to 1 treat). Somehow the oldest campers surprised everyone and won commando raids again. Laura’s drama crew gave a spectacular performance of Matilda, we defied the weather to hold the banquet and last campfire outdoors, and candleboats graced the lake. We feel thankful that we were able to have such a wonderful summer under difficult circumstances and deeply appreciate the support of our family, staff and greater alumni community.
As we get ready for the Sing at Dalton, we’re also looking ahead to 2024! A lot of earth-moving is underway at camp to repair ditches, drainage, and fields. Kate and Dean have begun meeting with prospective camper families (enrollment is open!), and we’ve received our first couple of staff applications as well. Hileia Seeger (LICSW, MBA), Tony and Judy’s daughter and former camper and counselor, will be joining us as Assistant Director next summer.
We expect next summer to be another wonderful one. If you are thinking about camp for family or friends, or have someone to recommend as a camper or staff member, let us know or email us! The Killooleet community has always grown by reaching out to include others. Please help us keep it going!
All the best and see many of you soon!
Kate and Dean
P.S. The Killooleet Sing has always raised money for the Seeger Bartlett Foundation (SBF), which supports scholarships for campers. As camp tuition rises, so do requests for scholarships. This is an important budget item, and the generosity of alumni and current families has enabled us to have more campers receive scholarships, so that single parents, teachers, and alumni can have their dream of sharing Killooleet with their child. If you cannot join us for the Sing later this month, please consider a direct donation to scholarships, either through the Seeger Bartlett Foundation or the American Camp Association. While ACA is needed if you want to use donor advised funds, SBF accepts any size donation, and many small donations combine with other ones. Thank you!